Dr Pamela Hatton holds a PhD in Psychology, specialising in work and educational stress. Working with diverse cultures, languages and differing socio-economic backgrounds, her general practice work covers all aspects of individual behaviours and functioning. Her main focus lies in behavioural education and mindset change, and inappropriate behaviours in both the learning and work environment. She has a wealth of experience in areas such as clinical legislation, and neurological and psychological issues in Europe. Having participated in many projects, on subjects such as: improving mental health and general well-being, education for carers, healthcare and social issues, for people from all social and economic areas, empowering the ‘person inside’ is a key feature of her work – providing guidance, promoting metacognition, and in the development of both critical thinking skills and lifelong learning practices. She has a keen interest in the arts, is a ballet dancer, and often uses the arts as a form of therapy for her
patients.

Inclusion or Illusion?

Presentation

Over many years there has been a significant increase in the awareness of the need for
inclusivity in our schools and in the workplace. The problems connected to inclusivity and
diversity have long been recognised by educationalists, educational researchers, and writers
in the various fields of education, work, and psychology! The attempt for inclusivity in
schools and the workplace is now showing to have not only its own problems, but also, its
own critics. In this paper, various definitions of inclusivity, and diversity, were given
consideration, as were the behaviours used by educators within the various educational and
workplace settings.

This paper examines inclusivity in education, asking, ‘How can we create a culture of
inclusion in our schools, when we have various minority groups who do not appear to ‘fit’
within a particular group setting?

The paper also explores some of the similarities and differences within the individual
minority and majority groups within the educational or workplace setting.